We are asking for the participation of citizens to locate bat colonies and count the number of bats living in them. These important pieces of information will help us to monitor and develop strategies to conserve these important animals.

Context

In 2006, a European fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats was introduced into North America. This fungus is causing the most drastic decline of a group of animals that has ever been observed. In only a couple of years, WNS has decimated populations of cave-dwelling bats. In response, the Canadian Government has listed little brown (Myotis lucifugus), northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis), and tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) as endangered species. The population crash of bats may have serious consequences on the structure of food chains and ecosystems.

In light of the threats facing bats, it is critically important to monitor bat populations. We are asking for the public’s participation to help us identify bat colony sites and carry out counts of those colonies in order to monitor bat population trends. We also aim to raise public awareness about bats and encourage private citizens and schools to set up bat houses. In order to participate, you first need to Register and login. Then, you will be able to upload the location of a colony (Participate – Add a colony), and a count of the number of bats living in the colony (Participate – Add a count). This website is collaborative effort among researchers in Québec, Ontario, and Manitoba.

Thank you for contributing to this project by uploading information about bat colonies.

Be careful!

Bats can be easily observed, but please do not touch them because they may carry rabies. If you come into contact with a bat, call the number associated with your province: in Quebec: Info-Santé - 8-1-1, in Ontario: TeleHealth - 1-866-797-0000, in Manitoba: Health links - 1-888-315-9257, in Alberta Link - 8-1-1 (or 1-866-408-5465) and in Saskatchewan 8-1-1.